Chamberlin 1.1

The official Chamberlin app offers a unique collection of sounds derived from the original library, featuring eight distinct sounds that emulate the characteristics of the iconic M1 Chamberlin.

This application is equipped with support for Core MIDI and Audiobus output (compatible with both Audiobus 2 and 3), as well as MIDI input functionality available through Audiobus 3.

The Chamberlin is a keyboard instrument similar to the Mellotron, utilizing magnetic tape to playback recorded sounds — each key corresponds to a specific tape. Activating a key initiates playback of the pre-recorded note, while releasing the key swiftly rewinds the tape to its starting point.

Invented in 1950 by American innovator Harry Chamberlin, this instrument gained popularity among recording artists when it was later produced in the UK as the Mellotron, a term that blends "melody" and "electronics."

Prior to the advent of digital samplers, this was the primary means for keyboardists to access authentic instrumental sounds, enabling performances featuring strings, flutes, rhythm ensembles, and various sound effects from a single keyboard.

Although knowledge about Chamberlins and Mellotrons may be limited, their distinctive sounds are widely recognized. Notable tracks featuring these instruments include The Beatles' "Strawberry Fields Forever" (Mellotron flute), The Moody Blues' "Nights in White Satin" (Mellotron 3 violins), Oasis's "Wonderwall" (Mellotron cello), Radiohead's "Exit Music for a Film" (Mellotron choir), Lana Del Rey's "Ride" (Chamberlin flute), Air's soundtrack for "Virgin Suicides" (Chamberlin Female Voice), and Gotye's "Somebody That I Used to Know" (Chamberlin flute).

Since 1989, Mellotron.com has been dedicated to preserving and enhancing Mellotron instruments, and has been manufacturing tape Mellotrons since 1999 with the MkVI and MkVII models. For an in-depth exploration of our history, real hardware instruments, our new digital M4000D series, the Mellotron Micro, original master tapes, parts, service information, and more, please visit our websites at www.mellotron.com and www.digitalmellotron.com.